The Literature course (Non-European language) MA comes under the complementary learning activities of the MA course in Modern languages for International Communication, specifically those aimed at providing a solid preparation in the cultural and literary context of the language of study approached from an historical and critical perspective, as well as in the application of critical analysis and comment to texts belonging to diverse literary typologies.
The course aims at deepening and strengthening: a) knowledge of the most significant geners, authors and texts from the modern and/or contemporary period in the language of study; b) the ability to analyze critically and to comment on typologically diverse literary texts in the language of study.
Expected learning outcomes: the students will further enhance and strengthen their familiarity with the genres, authors and literary texts in the foreign language of study; they will further enhance their ability to analyze critically literary texts in the original.
The course aims at deepening and strengthening: a) knowledge of the most significant geners, authors and texts from the modern and/or contemporary period in the language of study; b) the ability to analyze critically and to comment on typologically diverse literary texts in the language of study.
Expected learning outcomes: the students will further enhance and strengthen their familiarity with the genres, authors and literary texts in the foreign language of study; they will further enhance their ability to analyze critically literary texts in the original.
teacher profile teaching materials
Through the reading and analysis of literary and critical texts, the course will examine the works of some of the most prominent contemporary Arab women writers, including:
Fatima Mernissi;
Nawal al-Sa‘dawi;
Joumana Haddad.
The programme includes:
a theoretical introduction to gender studies and genre literature in the Arab context;
analysis of the relationship between literature, gender identity, and social transformations;
study of the representations of femininity, the body, and sexuality in contemporary Arabic literature;
reading and critical commentary on narrative, autobiographical, and essayistic texts;
historical, cultural, and political contextualization of the works studied;
in-depth analysis of the main linguistic, stylistic, and thematic issues present in the selected texts.
Particular attention will be devoted to the development of critical and methodological tools for the interdisciplinary analysis of contemporary Arabic literary production.
Programme
The course focuses on genre literature in modern and contemporary Arabic literary production, with particular attention to women’s writing and the representations of the body, identity, sexuality, and power relations in the Arab world.Through the reading and analysis of literary and critical texts, the course will examine the works of some of the most prominent contemporary Arab women writers, including:
Fatima Mernissi;
Nawal al-Sa‘dawi;
Joumana Haddad.
The programme includes:
a theoretical introduction to gender studies and genre literature in the Arab context;
analysis of the relationship between literature, gender identity, and social transformations;
study of the representations of femininity, the body, and sexuality in contemporary Arabic literature;
reading and critical commentary on narrative, autobiographical, and essayistic texts;
historical, cultural, and political contextualization of the works studied;
in-depth analysis of the main linguistic, stylistic, and thematic issues present in the selected texts.
Particular attention will be devoted to the development of critical and methodological tools for the interdisciplinary analysis of contemporary Arabic literary production.
Core Documentation
The texts and teaching materials will be provided by the instructor during the course.Attendance
Attendance is not compulsory; however, it is strongly recommended due to the seminar-based and analytical nature of the course. Active participation in lectures and text discussions supports the acquisition of the critical and methodological tools necessary for the analysis of modern and contemporary Arabic literature. Non-attending students are required to contact the instructor in order to agree on any supplementary readings and specific examination preparation requirements.Type of evaluation
Assessment consists of a single final oral examination. The oral examination consists of an interview aimed at assessing: knowledge of the topics and authors covered during the course; the ability to critically analyze literary texts; understanding of the main theoretical issues related to genre literature in the modern and contemporary Arab context; the ability to contextualize works and authors within their historical and cultural frameworks; the appropriate use of specialized literary terminology. During the interview, students may be required to: analyze and comment on literary texts studied during the course; discuss the characteristics of the main literary genres examined; develop critical reflections on the topics addressed during the course; establish connections between texts, authors, and different cultural contexts. The final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, will take into account: the level of knowledge and understanding of the topics covered; the ability to critically analyze and interpret texts; clarity and accuracy of presentation; the appropriate use of specialized terminology; the ability to develop independent and critical arguments.